Central Asia

Itinerary

• Days 1-2: Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

  The trip begins in Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital and largest city. Wander through its main market, Chorsu Bazaar, a kaleidoscope of produce, spices, textiles, and a multitude of other goods. Tour the city’s most noteworthy sights including Independence Square, Kukeldash Madrassah, and the Museum of Applied Arts. Culinary highlights are lunches at two of Tashkent’s most renowned restaurants and an introduction to Uzbek cuisine, complete with cooking demonstrations, from one of the city’s top chefs.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Non, the fluffy bread that’s a staple of Uzbek cuisine, sold in abundance at Chorsu Bazaar
  • Park-like Independence Square, formerly Lenin Square, rechristened and adorned with a new monument following Uzbekistan’s 1991 proclamation of independence
  • Tashkent’s monumental 16th century Islamic architecture, including Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal-Shashi Mausoleum, and Barak-Khan Madrassah
  • The Museum of Applied Arts, housed in a gorgeous 19th century mansion
  • An introduction to Uzbek cuisine from a renowned Tashkent chef
• Days 3-4: Khiva, Kyzyl Kum Desert

  Fly to Urgench and continue overland to nearby Khiva, an ancient city imbued with the spirit and energy of the Silk Road. Wander through the winding alleys of the UNESCO-listed Old Town, filled with minarets, cobbled alleys, mosques, and the beautifully preserved Kunya Ark, the original residence of the ruling khans. Upon leaving town, trace the path of Silk Road camel caravans through the red sands of the Kyzyl Kum Desert en route to Bukhara.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Khiva’s Old Town (Ichon-Qala in Uzbek), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Tash-Hauli Palace, built in the 19th century for the khan and his four wives
  • Dzhuma Mosque, famous for its carved wooden pillars
  • Kunya Ark, the original residence of the khans
  • The Silk Road’s path across the Kyzyl Kum Desert
• Days 5-6: Bukhara

  Arrive in Bukhara, Central Asia’s most ancient living city. Its UNESCO-listed Old Town encompasses more than 140 protected monuments, including the Lyabi-Hauz Plaza at the heart of the city and the Ark Citadel, the original fortress of Bukhara. Spend a full day celebrating Navruz, an ancient festival with Zoroastrian roots that welcomes the arrival of spring. Witness firsthand the holiday’s convivial festivities, including traditional ceremonies not commonly accessible to travelers. The abundant Navruz dinner is capped off with sumalak, a favorite holiday sweet.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • Old Bukhara’s ageless domed bazaars and its central Lyab-i-Hauz Plaza, adorned with a reflecting pool
  • Ark Citadel, Bukhara’s giant ancient fortress
  • Taking part in Navruz celebrations and dinner
  • A visit to a master marionette-maker’s studio
  • A performance of traditional song and dance at a madrassah
• Days 7-8: Samarkand

  Experience the glory of fabled Samarkand – the conqueror Tamerlane’s ancient capital – with visits to the massive Bibi Khanum Mosque, Ulug Bek’s incredible observatory, and majestic Registan Square. Learn how to make traditional bread at a local family bakery, stroll through the colorful stands brimming with fresh produce and spices at the Siab Bazaar, and take a master class in the art of making plov, Uzbekistan’s national dish.

  HIGHLIGHTS

  • UNESCO-listed Samarkand’s Registan Square, bordered by three beautiful madrassahs
  • The 14th century conqueror Tamerlane’s architectural legacy in Samarkand, including Bibi Khanum Mosque, the largest of its day, and Ulug Bek Observatory
  • Lively Siab Bazaar, lined with the brilliant produce and spices that once tempted Silk Route traders
  • A demonstration of traditional non bread-baking and lunch at a family bakery
  • A master class in making plov – a fragrant mix of rice, meat, vegetables, and seasonings that’s Uzbekistan’s favorite meal
• Days 9-10: Urgut, Tashkent

  On your final full day, travel outside Samarkand to the colorful, labyrinthine Urgut Market, where stalls brim with brilliantly embroidered hats, robes, and other textiles. Attend a match of buzkashi, an ancient Central Asian equestrian game demanding strength and daring. Then celebrate your journey with a festive farewell lunch before hopping the high-speed train back to Tashkent.

  Highlights

  • The brilliant crafts at Urgut Market
  • The raw intensity of a buzkashi match
  • One last Uzbek feast